Ten Cents a Dance
Ruth Etting
Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer
Ten cents a dance, that's what they pay me Gosh, how they weigh me down Ten cents a dance, pansies and rough guys Tough guys who tear my gown Seven to midnight I hear drums Loudly the saxophone blows Trumpets are tearing my eardrums Customers crush my toes Sometimes I think I've found my hero But it's a queer romance All that you need is a ticket Come on, big boy, ten cents a dance!
Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer
Written by: LORENZ HART, RICHARD RODGERS
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
7 facts about this song
History"Ten cents a dance" is a popular song that was written by Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart.
- It was first introduced by Barbara Newberry in a musical titled "Simple Simon."
|
CompositionThe song describes the life of a dance hostess who gets paid by male patrons for dances.
- The lyrics express the woman's struggles and hardships, leading it to be considered a torch song.
|
Ruth Etting VersionRuth Etting, popular during the 1930s, made this song one of her signature performances.
- Her performance made the song a classic in American popular music.
|
Recording by Doris DayDoris Day recorded a rendition of "Ten cents a dance" in the album "What Every Girl Should Know" in 1960.
- Day also played Ruth Etting in the 1955 film "Love Me or Leave Me" where she portrayed the stories of Etting's life and career; however, she did not sing "Ten Cents a Dance" in the movie.
|
Other PerformancesThe song has been covered by numerous other artists, such as Ella Fitzgerald, Chet Baker, and Frank Sinatra.
- It has also notably featured in films including "Annie" (1982) and "Pennies from Heaven" (1981).
|
Critical Reception"Ten Cents a Dance" is recognized as one of the great songs from the American Songbook, due to its poignant lyrics and memorable melody.
|
LegacyThe song's title "Ten cents a dance" has been referenced in various other media, showcasing its lasting cultural impact.
|
Citation
Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:
Style:MLAChicagoAPA
"Ten Cents a Dance Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 29 Mar. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/2762082/Ruth+Etting/Ten+Cents+a+Dance>.
Discuss the Ten Cents a Dance Lyrics with the community:
Report Comment
We're doing our best to make sure our content is useful, accurate and safe.
If by any chance you spot an inappropriate comment while navigating through our website please use this form to let us know, and we'll take care of it shortly.
Attachment
You need to be logged in to favorite.
Log In